Billy Joe Huckabay, age 97

Billy Joe Huckabay passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the age of 97.  Bill was born on July 5, 1925, to Mart and Effie Stapleton Huckabay in Conway.

Bill proudly served in World War II in the Coast Guard, stationed in Sullivan’s Island and the Aleutian Islands.  He also served in the Arkansas National Guard.  After the war, he married Thelma Harper with whom he had a daughter, Randa Huckabay Adams, and a son, Dan Huckabay.  He and Thelma enjoyed traveling across the United States and Canada in their Airstream.

Bill worked as an accomplished cabinet maker, having been taught the trade by his father-in-law.  He owned R&R Cabinet Shop in North Little Rock, along with his brother-in-law, John Harper.  After a retaining wall fell and destroyed the shop, Bill built houses and served as a North Little Rock building inspector.

Bill and Thelma were married until her death in 1992.  In 1994, he married Betty Weinberg of Fairfield Bay.  Betty and Bill took many wonderful trips in the Airstream, and they enjoyed a special trip to Israel and Egypt.  Betty taught Bill how to play golf and dance, and he came to love doing both.

Following Betty’s death in 2011, Bill moved to Conway to be near his children.  He met Judy Gerber at a dance, and they were constant companions until his death.  Bill and Judy danced many a polka and took a cruise to Alaska.

Bill loved to hunt and ride four-wheelers with his son and grandson, Logan.  His interests included reading, genealogy, and solving cryptograms and other word puzzles.  He enjoyed sharing with his family his many adventures from World War II and his extensive travels.  He was also a long-time Christian.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Thelma and Betty, and his brothers Leo, Gerald, and Bobby.  He is survived by his children Randa and Dan, his son-in-law Gary Adams, his daughter-in-law Teresa Huckabay, his grandchildren Dylan Adams (Michelle) of San Pedro, California, Logan Huckabay (Lauren) of Conway, and Ellen Huckabay of Rogers.  He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Izzy, Rhett, and Coco, of whom he was very proud.

Visitation will be held at Conway First Baptist Church on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 6pm-8pm.  A graveside service will be held at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, K9s for Warriors, or your favorite charity.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.  Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.